Anonymous (Septuagint) · a new plain-English translation from the original language
1| Have they made you the head of the table? Do not be lifted up; be among them as one of them, look after them, and only then take your seat.
2| When you have seen to all your duties, recline, so that you may be cheered on their account, and so that you may win a crown for your good order.
3| Speak, elder, for it is fitting for you, but with exact knowledge, and do not hinder the music.
4| Where there is a performance, do not pour out talk, and do not show off your wisdom out of season.
5| A seal of ruby set in gold ornament — that is a concert of musicians at a banquet of wine.
6| A seal of emerald in a golden setting — that is a melody of musicians over sweet wine.
7| Speak, young man, if you must, but scarcely twice, and only if you are asked.
8| Sum up your speech, much in few words; be like one who knows, and yet keeps silent at the same time.
9| In the company of the great do not make yourself their equal, and when another is speaking do not chatter on.
10| Lightning runs ahead of thunder, and favor will go before a modest man.
11| Rise up in good time and do not linger last of all; hurry off home and do not be careless.
12| There amuse yourself and follow your own thoughts, but do not sin by a proud word.
13| And for all this, bless the one who made you and fills you to gladness from his good things.
14| The one who fears the Lord will accept discipline, and those who rise early will find favor.
15| The one who seeks the law will be filled with it, but the one who plays the hypocrite will stumble over it.
16| Those who fear the Lord will find justice, and they will kindle righteous deeds like a light.
17| A sinful man will turn away from reproof, and he will find a judgment to suit his own wish.
18| A man of counsel will not overlook a thought; a stranger and a proud man will not cower in fear, even after acting on his own without counsel.
19| Do nothing without counsel, and once you have acted, do not regret it.
20| Do not walk on a path set with pitfalls, and do not stumble over stony places.
21| Do not trust a way that seems free of stumbling,
22| and be on your guard even with your own children.
23| In every undertaking trust your own soul, for this too is a keeping of the commandments.
24| The one who trusts the law holds fast to the commandments, and the one who relies on the Lord will not be brought low.